Hackney’s Borough Commander confirms the stabbings are gang-related: an extra 60 Met police drafted onto Hackney’s streets after wave of violence

A wave of gang-related violence has erupted in the borough, with five stabbings within the space of 24 hours, with four people seriously injured.

Hackney’s Borough Commander Matthew Horne confirmed all five stabbings which have taken place within a space of 24 hours in the borough are gang related.

Now 60 officers from across London have been drafted onto Hackney’s streets to prevent gang reprisals, after six stabbings occurred between Monday and Tuesday night.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after two teenagers were stabbed in Atherden Road, Lower Clapton on Tuesday May 22 at 5pm.

The youths, aged 18 years and 19 years, were taken to an east London hospital where their conditions remain stable.

Police are also investigating another stabbing in Amhurst Road, near the junction of Rectory Road in Stoke Newington the same night at around 8pm.

Two youths aged 16 and 18, were taken to an east London hospital by ambulance crews, and a police spokesman described their conditions as “stable”.

Both incidents are being investigated separately.

Meanwhile Monday night police were called to Phillipp Street in Hoxton at around 9.40pm.

A 17-year old who had been stabbed was taken to hospital for treatment but his condition is not believed to be serious.

Now a Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act has been placed across certain areas of the borough to prevent the carrying of weapons and possible gang reprisals.

Borough Commander Matthew Horne said: “The increased police presence is to provide reassurance to Hackney residents, but also to enforce the law by arresting those gang members who show a complete disregard for the safety of others and the communities in which they reside.”

Witnesses are asked to contact Paul Ridley, from Hackney’s Violent Crime Unit on 0207 275 3439.